Jackson, A ‘Rare’ LB

Ahmard Vital

08/20/2014

Scout.com caught up with Elsik linebacker Dontavious Jackson from Houston, Texas just before the start of the season. He is going into his junior year and has coaches across the country checking in on him. The four-star 2016 defender has his eyes on a couple as well…

He only holds four offers at the moment, but don’t let that number fool you. Houston (Tex.) Alief Elsik linebacker Dontavious Jackson, a top 2016 target, is still high in the board of more than a dozen programs across the country. And that number will grow by the week as his junior season starts here shortly.

So what is it about this young man that has college coaches excited?

“It’s my size and speed that coaches talk about the most. They say that it is rare for a player of my size to move like that,” Jackson said. “They also like my football IQ. I feel like I can read and see the play before it happens.”

Well that combination is one that is attractive for coaches at any level. At the moment, the 6-foot-3, 231-pound Jackson holds offers from Louisville, Oklahoma State, Louisiana Tech and Houston. Look for that number to change sooner than later.

Once Jackson straps up for the 2014 season, based on the extreme amount of interest in him, things could blow up quickly. Texas, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M are the three schools that he visited at some point during the off season for an unofficial visit or to camp. Rightfully so, these three represent more than half of the programs that have caught his early attention.

“I don’t really have a top program or programs, but I’d say that some schools are standing out to me. Texas, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M are in there,” Jackson said. “Also, Ohio State and USC. Those are schools that I have liked for years and whether those coaches talk to me or not, they will be in the mix.”

As stated, the season will be starting for Jackson and his Elsik teammates here soon. And while he looks to knock some heads around in hopes of his team making the playoffs, Jackson would like to get out to check out some college action as well.

He has a couple places in mind.

“I want to get out to Oklahoma. My friend Obo (Ogbonnia Okoronkwu) plays football there and said that I should try to get up there for the Tennessee game,” Jackson said. “I also want to get out to Texas and Texas A&M for games as well. That’s really all I have right now.”

Jackson said that when going to these games he wants to see how that coaches work with the players and how players respond. He is looking for an environment where he feels at home.

Oh yes, and there is one other thing too.

“I’m not saying that I have to start, but I want to touch the field as a true freshman. So I will be looking at players who are offered and the team’s depth chart,” Jackson said.